Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR

More documents

Info

24 | RHINOS VS HULL KR Rent | Lease | Buy | Sell | Insure Performance | Premium | 4x4 | Electric Vans | Performance Collection Scan to view vehicles 174 Armley Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 2QH 0113 521 9696 leedsrental@amtauto.co.uk
McNAMARA PROUD OF THE MAN DONALDSON HAS BECOME Former England Head Coach Steve McNamara has spoken about his pride about the man that James Donaldson has become ahead of his testimonial game. McNamara signed Donaldson as a teenager when he persuaded the young forward to reject offers from Wigan, where he had been training, and Leeds to sign for Bradford Bulls. The Catalans Dragons boss remembers several trips to Cumbria to speak to Donaldson and his family to finally get the deal done. He recalled, “My earliest memories of James is probably travelling up to Cumbria watching him play for Wath Brow and then meeting his mum and dad. I think they appreciated me making the effort to go up there and because we knew if were going to sign James, he would have to probably relocate it was important they were happy. We knew there was stiff competition for him but we were the first one who went up there. We welcomed him to Bradford Bulls and settled him into his first house. It must have been tough for a teenager to move house at a young age and settle into a new environment but he was great.” McNamara said he never had any doubts about Donaldson’s ability, he added, “He slotted into our system straight away. What made him stand out was for a young player was his effort and energy. He was a great kid with the ability to work as hard as he possibly could. He had some horrendous luck with some injuries but the way he's worked so hard to overcome those and play as many games as he has is remarkable. “Throughout his junior career, things went well for him but he was really tested with those moments of adversity, the injuries, his family situation as well with what happened to his brother, that is a very, very big thing for a young man to deal with. "I'm super, super proud of James in the way he deals with adversity and managed to stil radiate positivity. “James is what testimonials are all about. People like James Donaldson, from a working class family, working class background. He has worked his socks off, as hard as he possibly can to do everything he possibly can in the game. And I'm so, so glad that he is getting some recognition with his testimonial and everything else around it for him this season and the commitment he's shown to himself is great. “I've certainly had an affinity with James from growing up, espcially having spent time with the family after his brother's accident. We've got a really close connection with him. You spend so much time with players as a coach that they become like your sons, your kids. For James to come to the Bulls at such an early age and to have played a small part to help influence and shape his career is obviously something I am proud of. He has certainly had a great upbringing from his parents. But credit to him, the adversity he has faced. Most people would have stopped at that point. But I'm sure he's still got a good few years left in him.” On a personal note, McNamara added, “Congratulations James. I'm so, so proud of you. A boy coming to live in Bradford, to deal with the pressure of being a Super League player, a young star having to cope with some injuries and obviously the accident with your brother, you are a credit to yourself and your family.” 25 | RHINOS VS HULL KR
Page 1 and 2: RHINOS VS HULL KR JAMES DONALDSON'S
Page 3 and 4: THANK YOU Firstly, I would to say a
Page 5 and 6: DONNO’S DREAM TEAM Throughout his
Page 7 and 8: 7 | RHINOS VS HULL KR Proud to spon
Page 9 and 10: 10 - SAM BURGESS In my opinion one
Page 11 and 12: DONNO'S CAREER IN PHOTOS 11 | RHINO
Page 13 and 14: 13 | RHINOS VS HULL KR TEAMMATES PA
Page 15 and 16: added, “Dono epitomizes our cultu
Page 17 and 18: 17 | RHINOS VS HULL KR IN HIS OWN W
Page 19 and 20: 19 | RHINOS VS HULL KR and I was he
Page 21 and 22: suppose that's where all my family
Page 23: arch. Five years later, Donaldson w
Page 27 and 28: 27 | RHINOS VS HULL KR
Page 29 and 30: TODAY'SOPPOSITIONTODAY'SOPPOSITIONT
Page 31 and 32: Nestled in the Western Lakes and fe

Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?